US5119617A - Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger - Google Patents

Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5119617A
US5119617A US07/642,197 US64219791A US5119617A US 5119617 A US5119617 A US 5119617A US 64219791 A US64219791 A US 64219791A US 5119617 A US5119617 A US 5119617A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
articles
lane
outfeed
group
package
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/642,197
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew E. Mojden
Wallace W. Mojden
Robert E. Darr
Richard P. Hoinacki
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fleetwood Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Fleetwood Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fleetwood Systems Inc filed Critical Fleetwood Systems Inc
Priority to US07/642,197 priority Critical patent/US5119617A/en
Assigned to FLEETWOOD SYSTEMS, INC., A CORP. OF IL reassignment FLEETWOOD SYSTEMS, INC., A CORP. OF IL ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: DARR, ROBERT E., HOINACKI, RICHARD P., MOJDEN, ANDREW E., MOJDEN, WALLACE W.
Priority to AU89629/91A priority patent/AU8962991A/en
Priority to CA002058898A priority patent/CA2058898C/en
Priority to EP92300159A priority patent/EP0495580B1/de
Priority to AT92300159T priority patent/ATE121355T1/de
Priority to DE69202063T priority patent/DE69202063T2/de
Priority to JP4044344A priority patent/JPH04339702A/ja
Publication of US5119617A publication Critical patent/US5119617A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CHICAGO reassignment AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CHICAGO SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FLEETWOOD SYSTEMS, INC. A CORP. OF ILLINOIS
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/30—Arranging and feeding articles in groups
    • B65B35/54—Feeding articles along multiple paths to a single packaging position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/067—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles in bags

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to apparatus for handling and packaging articles such as can ends, and more specifically to apparatus capable of receiving a continuous flow of such articles, counting and separating out a group or stack of a predetermined number of articles and packaging the individual groups or stacks into individual packages.
  • cans such as canneries, breweries and soft drink bottlers
  • these can components include can bodies having at least one open end, and the can ends that are employed to close the bodies subsequent to the filling or canning operation.
  • the can ends are packaged, shipped and handled separately from the can bodies, and the usual practice is to package and ship the ends in elongate kraft paper bags.
  • the number of can ends per package varies depending upon the requirements of the end user. By way of example, for typical end users, each filled bag or package contains 300 or 600 can ends.
  • the bottler finds it extremely important that an accurate count of ends be maintained in the packages.
  • the overturning or dislodging of but a single end can result in a jamming or disrupting of automated equipment, leading to considerable down time.
  • One such dislodged end may cause an entire stack or group of 300 or more ends to become dislodged and, quite literally, be thrown in every direction, thus seriously disrupting the bagging operation.
  • Some improvement is also possible in the speed and accuracy of handling of associated bags, and in supplying the individual bags from a magazine or other source of supply to the bag filling equipment. Given the speed and accuracy of the bag filling equipment, it is important to provide a relatively reliable and rapid supply of empty bags to the equipment and to efficiently and quickly remove filled bags and replace the same with empty bags to insure an optimum speed of operation.
  • a related object is to provide novel and improved packaging apparatus which is capable of providing both articles to be packaged and packages for receiving the same in a reliable, high-speed operation to the packaging equipment.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B taken together, form a perspective view of a multi-lane infeed counter/bagger in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation Of a first portion of infeed lanes associated with the apparatus of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing a second stage or portion of the infeed lanes
  • FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a third stage of the infeed lanes
  • FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of the bagger apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a further portion of the bagger apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a final or outlet portion of the bagger apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an end view of the apparatus of the invention taken generally in the plane of the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B taken together, form a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a magazine portion of the bagging assembly of the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the magazine of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged side elevational view showing a vacuum cup arrangement for removing an end portion of a topmost bag or package from the magazine of FIGS. 11 and 12;
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of a gripping and transport member for transporting a bag from the magazine to a bagging station of the apparatus of the invention
  • FIG. 15 is an end view of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a portion of the bagging station
  • FIG. 17 is an end view of FIG. 16
  • FIGS. 18A and 18B taken together form a side elevational view of a pick-and-place device associated with the infeed portion of the apparatus of the invention
  • FIG. 19 is a partial side elevational view of the magazine of FIG. 11 showing further details thereof;
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged partial end view of the outfeed end of the magazine of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 21 is a partial sectional view taken generally along the line 22--22 of FIG. 12.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B a multi-lane infeed counter/bagger in accordance with the invention is illustrated in a perspective view. While the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the multi-lane infeed counter/bagger, it will be understood that the principles of the invention are applicable generally to apparatus for handling and packaging articles such as can ends. Accordingly, the apparatus is capable of receiving a continuous flow of such articles and automatically delivering groups of articles of a prescribed or predetermined number disposed in a facewise nested or stacked condition to a packaging station. In the illustrated embodiment, this packaging station or portion is fully illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 10B.
  • a plurality of generally parallel elongate lanes 22, 24 and 26 are provided for simultaneously handling articles such as can ends 25.
  • three such lanes have been shown, it being understood that fewer or more such lanes may be provided without departing from the invention, so long as more than a single such lane is provided for handling the articles to be ultimately delivered to a packaging station 30 which is illustrated in FIG. 1B.
  • the lane 22 is aligned for delivering the articles to the packaging station 30, while lanes 24 and 26 are offset to one side of lane 22.
  • These lanes 22, 24 and 26 are capable of receiving a flow of articles such as can ends from a can end press or fabrication machinery.
  • a can end press or fabrication machinery typically produces beverage can ends which consist of dished, rimmed aluminum discs, normally having pull off tabs formed thereupon, at a rate of about six hundred per minute per lane. Accordingly, a substantially continuous flow of the nested can ends may be fed alternatively to any one of the three lanes 22, 24 and 26, so as to accommodate the flow of ends at the above-mentioned rate without any interruption.
  • Transport means generally designated by reference numeral 28 are provided for linearly advancing the articles along at least the lane 22 toward the packaging station 30.
  • the pick-and-place means is provided and is selectively movable between positions in alignment with each of the lanes 22, 24 and 26 for selectively transferring the articles or can ends from lanes 24 and 26 to the lane 22 aligned with the packaging station 30.
  • Control means 32 is provided for controlling a predetermined sequence of operation of transport means 28 and pick-and-place means 40 so as to provide a substantially continuous supply of articles such as can ends to the packaging station 30.
  • the transport means 28 are arranged for handling the can ends or other articles 25 in groups, each group containing a predetermined number of linearly aligned and nested articles.
  • the transport means 28 provide means for advancing groups 25 of articles respectively along each of the lanes 22, 24 and 26.
  • each of the lanes 22, 24 and 26 are similarly constructed and arranged, whereby when details of lane 22 are described, it will be understood that like components are presented with respect to lanes 24 and 26.
  • Each lane 22, 24, 26, has an inlet segment or portion 22a, 24a, 26a and an outfeed segment or portion 22c, 24c, 26c, each of these segments being of a length at least as great as the length of a group of articles 25 for simultaneously accommodating groups of articles in each said lane segment.
  • the outfeed segment 22c of the first lane 22 is as previously described, aligned with and thereby forms an inlet to the packaging station 30.
  • the pick-and-place means 40 are operative to transfer groups of articles from the outfeed segments 24c, 26c of the other lanes to the outfeed segment 22c of the first lane 22.
  • each of the lanes has an intermediate lane segment 22b, 24 b, 26b which is between the respective inlet and outfeed segments and is also of a similar length; that is, for accommodating another of the groups 25 of articles. Accordingly, it will be seen that in the illustrated embodiment, as many as ten separate groups of articles such as the group 25 may be accommodated by the three lanes at any given time. This is the maximum capacity of the illustrated embodiment. It will be understood, however, that fewer or more such lanes, as well as fewer or more such lane segments may be provided without departing from the invention.
  • the transport means 28 include a first carriage means 34 associated with each of the lanes for delivering a group of articles from inlet lane segment 22a, for example, to the corresponding intermediate lane segment 22b, for depositing the group of articles at the intermediate lane segment and for thereupon returning to the inlet lane segment to receive a second group of articles for transport to the intermediate lane segment 22b.
  • This operation is diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the transport means 28 also include a second carriage or carriage means associated with the intermediate lane segment of each of the lanes.
  • One such second carriage means 36 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 in connection with lane 22. This second carriage means 36 is operative for engaging a group of articles 25 in the intermediate lane segment 22b for advancing this group of articles to its corresponding outfeed lane segment 22c, for example, depositing the group of articles in the outfeed lane segment and for returning to the intermediate lane segment to receive a further group of articles for transport to the outfeed lane segment.
  • FIGS. 1A and 10A Substantially identical first and second carriage means associated with lanes 24 and 26 are indicated in FIGS. 1A and 10A by reference numerals 44, 46 and 54, 56 respectively. While these elements are substantially identical in configuration, their placement has been varied to one or the other side of their respective lanes in order to accommodate the same in a relatively closely side-by-side arrangement of the lanes as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 10A.
  • each of the lanes 22, 24 and 26 also has associated with its inlet or infeed end, a counting station including article counting means 62, 64, 66 and separating means 72, 74, 76, which form a portion of the first carriage means 34, 44, 54 of the transport means 28.
  • the separating means operate to engage and separate the groups of counted articles from the incoming stream as a group of the desired number is counted by the associated counting means.
  • sensing means 38a, 38b, 38c, 48a, 48b, 48c which may take the form of photo-optic sensors or proximity-type sensors are provided for developing control signals corresponding to filled ones and empty ones of the respective lane segments.
  • the control means 32 are responsive to these control signals for controlling the transport means 28 to advance the individual groups of articles along the respective lanes in order to fill empty ones of the lane segments and generally advance the articles toward the end or outfeed segments of each of the lanes, and ultimately to the outfeed segment 22c which also forms an inlet or infeed to the packaging station 30.
  • control means 32 is further responsive to these control signals developed with respect to the filled or empty condition of the respective outfeed lanes 22c, 24c and 26c for operating the pick-and-place means 40 to retrieve a group of articles from whichever one of outfeed lanes 24c or 26c is filled at any given time, assuming that the pick-and-place device is presently in an unfilled or empty condition.
  • the control signal indicating the empty condition of outfeed lane 22c causes the control means to operate the pick-and-place device to deliver a group of articles which it has previously retrieved to this outfeed segment 22c in the event that there is not a group of articles presently available in the immediately preceding lane segment 22b for delivery to the outfeed segment 22c.
  • lane segment 22c which forms the inlet to the packaging station 30.
  • Representative ones of the lane sensors 38a, 38b, 38c and 48a, 48b, 48c have been illustrated with respect to the segments of lane 22 and 24 in diagrammatic form in FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be understood that similar such sensors (not shown) are associated with each of the lane segments of the other lane 26 as well. However, all of the sensors have not been shown in the other illustrations to facilitate clarity of the illustrations and avoid undue cluttering thereof.
  • an end support member 80 of the first carriage means 22a is movable along the carriage as illustrated generally in FIG. 3 from a front end to a back end thereof to provide a continuous support for the front end of a group of ends 25, being introduced thereto from the inlet and counting means 62 associated with that lane.
  • the separating means is a knife-like blade 72, (74, 76) which may be extended and retracted relative to an end part of carriage 34 to separate a group 25 from the incoming stream when the desired count is reached at the counting means 62.
  • Retractable fork-like end support members such as member 82 illustrated in FIG. 4 are provided at either end of the outfeed lane 22c.
  • a fixed fork-like end stop 83 is provided with respect to the terminal end of each of lane segments 24c and 26c and a similar extendable fork-like support is provided for the opposite ends of each of these lane segments.
  • the fork-like support members 81 and 83 are also illustrated in FIG. 18 in connection with the operation of the pick-and-place device 40.
  • each of the carriage assemblies is mounted to a corresponding elongate cylinder which extends over the lengths of two adjacent ones of the lane segments between which the associated carriage assembly is movable to deliver the group of articles 25 from one lane segment to the next as described hereinabove.
  • Such cylinders are illustrated as indicated at reference numerals 82a, 82b, 84a, 84b and 86a, 86b in FIGS. 1A and 10A.
  • cylinder 82a extends over the length of lane segments 22a and 22b to permit the associated carriage 34 to deliver a stack of ends 25 between these two lane segments.
  • Each of the carriage means 34, 44, 54, and 36, 46, 56 are provided with respective extendable and retractable end support members for supporting the group or stack of can ends 25 when the same is to be transported by the carriage means, and for otherwise retracting to permit transfer of a group of ends 25 between carriages, as for example, between carriages 34 and 36 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • Such retractable end support means include the separating blade 72 previously described, a similar blade-like support member 90 is provided on the end support structure 80 with respect to the carriage 34. The blade-like support member 90 will move with the stack of ends as it is being developed and also during transport to the position shown in FIG. 2.
  • a pair of pivotally mounted support arms or fingers 92, 93 of carriage 36 have their pivoting motion coordinated with the movement of the carriage 34 and introduction to carriage 36 of the group of articles or can ends 25 from carriage 34.
  • the relative position of support 92 is adjustable to handle variances in the length of a stick of ends.
  • the trailing end support member 93 is shown retracted in FIG. 2 to permit introduction of the group of ends 25.
  • this support is shown engaging the ends when the transfer has been completed as shown in FIG. 3.
  • Similar extendable and retractable support members 94, 95 and 96, 97 are provided for each of the other carriages 46 and 56 and are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 10A.
  • FIGS. 5-7 there is shown somewhat diagrammatically an article packaging apparatus for packaging a group of articles such as the group 25 of can ends of a predetermined number disposed in a nested condition in an elongate bag-like package.
  • the elongate bag-like package utilized which is shown somewhat diagrammatically at reference numeral 100 in FIGS. 6 and 7, has side gussets 101, a folded over and adhesively-secured closed end 102, and an opposite open end 104.
  • the article packaging apparatus generally includes a magazine portion 105 illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 a bag filling and closing portion 106 which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6.
  • An intermediate bag transport portion or assembly 108 (FIG. 5) is arranged to remove bags from the supply carried in the magazine 105 and introduced bags to be filled at the filling station 30 previously described, where the bag filling apparatus or assembly 106 is located.
  • the magazine 105 includes an articulated support means or assembly 110 for supporting the bags or packages 100 in a collapsed, stacked condition.
  • the bags 100 are generally provided with side gussets 101 to permit opening thereof to receive the can ends 25.
  • the gussets 101 are collapsible in order to stack the bags in a compact arrangement within the magazine 105 as indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 5.
  • Elevating means in the form of a motor 107, which drives a first screw 109 and by way of pulleys 111, 113, and belt 115 drives a second screw 117, is operative for elevating and retracting the support means or assembly 110 relative to an outlet or outfeed portion 114 of the magazine which is located at an upper end portion thereof.
  • This outlet or outfeed generally includes a pair of guide plates 116, 118 through which a topmost one of the bags 100 may be drawn by its closed end 102.
  • the articulated support assembly 110 includes a first or main support portion 120 which supports a major portion of the packages or bags 100 and a secondary support or portion 122 which is hingedly or pivotally coupled with the main support portion in an articulated fashion.
  • An articulation drive means which, in the illustrated embodiment, takes the form of a piston and cylinder assembly 124 is operatively coupled for controllably varying the angle of the secondary support portion 122 relative to the main support portion 120.
  • the folded over and adhesively or otherwise secured closed ends 102 of the bags 100 are by their nature of substantially double thickness compared with the remaining portions of the bags.
  • these thicker end portions 102 will tend to impart a considerably greater height to the stack of bags as a whole at the closed end, than that of the remaining portions of the bags.
  • this height differential will gradually decrease as the bags are drawn off through the outfeed 114 and the stack becomes gradually depleted.
  • the articulated support assembly permits raising and lowering the secondary support portion 122 as necessary to hold the closed end part of at least the topmost one of the bags at a predetermined angle relative to the remaining portion thereof.
  • this angle is such that the topmost bag remains in a substantially flat and level condition, that is, there is no angle between the end portion 102 and the remaining portion of at least the topmost one of the bags in the magazine 105. This facilitates withdrawal of the end portion 102 through the guide plates 116, 118 of outfeed 114 and assures that the remainder of the topmost bag will follow smoothly through these guide plates.
  • sensing means 126, 128 are provided near a top end of the magazine 105 for sensing the condition of the topmost bag relative to a level condition.
  • sensor 126 is positioned generally for detecting the main body portion of the topmost bag
  • sensor 128 is positioned for detecting the closed end portion 102 thereof.
  • These sensors may be photo-optic sensors or any other suitable type of sensor without departing from the invention.
  • These sensors 126 and 128 produce corresponding control signals and the control means 32 is responsive to these signals for adjusting the articulation control means or piston and cylinder 124 for varying the relative angle of the secondary support means or member 122 so as to achieve a substantially level condition of the topmost bag or package.
  • the package transport means 108 is provided with a topmost bag 100 from magazine 105 by means of a movable vacuum-type bag engagement assembly or means 130.
  • the bag engagement assembly 130 engages the closed end 102 of the topmost bag and draws at least a portion of the closed end 102 through the outfeed 114 and in particular through the guide plates 116, 118 thereof.
  • the topmost guide plate 116 is provided with a recess or cutout portion or slot 132 to permit a vacuum head portion 134 of the vacuum engagement means to extend thereinto a sufficient amount to feed a part of the end 102 partially through the plates.
  • a movable gripping means or member 136 is positioned for gripping a part of the closed end 102 drawn through the outfeed by the vacuum means 130 and for drawing the same onto the transport means 108.
  • the bottom plate 118 of the outfeed is provided with a similar, oppositely facing and overlapping cutout or opening 138 for permitting a portion of the gripping means to extend thereinto to positively engage the closed end part 102 of the bag 100, which has been partially advanced through the outfeed 114 by the vacuum means 130.
  • FIG. 13 Further details of the movable vacuum means 130 are illustrated in FIG. 13. It will be seen that the vacuum means 130 is mounted for vertical and horizontal movement relative to a frame 140 with the vertical motion being driven by a piston and cylinder assembly 142 and the horizontal motion being driven by an elongate cylinder 144. This permits the relative vertical and horizontal movement of the vacuum head or suction cup 134 thereof generally between the position shown in solid line in FIG. 13 and the various positions shown in broken line, for respectively descending to retrieve a bag from the magazine 105 and drawing the closed end 102 of the bag thus retrieved to and partially through the outlet 114 to be engaged by the gripping means 136.
  • the bag transport means 108 includes an elongate tray-like assembly 149 having a pair of closely spaced top plate members 150, 152 and a pair of closely spaced and relatively inwardly and outwardly movable bottom plate-like members 154 and 156.
  • the latter plates 154 and 156 are spaced somewhat below the top plates 150 and 152 to provide space for receiving a bag therebetween.
  • the lateral gap or spacing between the respective plates allows room for the gripping means or member 136 to travel therebetween so as to draw a bag from the outfeed 114 into the tray 149 formed by the respective plates 150, 152, 154 and 156.
  • the gripping means 136 consists of an upper fixed jaw member 158 and a lower, relatively movable jaw member 160, which is also preferable provided with a number of teeth or serrations for positively engaging an end part 102 of a bag 100 therebetween.
  • the lower jaw 160 is hingedly articulated in a jawlike fashion to open and close relative to fixed upper jaw 158 and is driven by a suitable piston and cylinder assembly 162 for opening and closing and thereby grippingly engaging and releasing a bag end 102.
  • the entire gripping assembly 136 is also mounted to an elongate cylinder 164 which is arranged for drawing the gripping jaws 158, 160 the entire length of the tray 149 to draw the entire length of a bag 100 into the tray for transport from the magazine 105 to the bagging station 30.
  • the transport assembly 108 including the tray-like assembly 149 is carried on a track 168 mounted to a frame 166 for horizontal movement between an area in alignment with the magazine outlet 114 to an area in alignment with the bagging station 30 as best viewed in FIG. 17.
  • the lower plates 154 and 156 are moved inwardly and outwardly to permit release of the bag at the bagging station 30 by respective control pistons and cylinders 170, 172 which are shown in FIG. 10B.
  • the entire gripping assembly 136 is also mounted to the frame 166 such that it moves in unison with the transport assembly 108. This facilitates alignment of gripping assembly 138 with the tray 149.
  • other arrangements could be used without departing from the invention.
  • the bagging apparatus 106 employs an elongate, generally split V-shaped trough means or assembly 170 which receives and supports a bag from the tray assembly 149 of the transport means which is moved into position thereover along the track 168 for delivering a bag thereto.
  • the bag 100 is drawn down from the tray 149 by one or more vacuum means or members 180 of similar configuration to the vacuum means 130 and head 134.
  • These vacuum means 180 are selectively extendable and retractable relative to a through central opening 172 defined in the split V trough 170 for engaging a package in the transport means or tray 149 and drawing the same onto the trough 170 to be filled.
  • the packaging or bagging station includes suitable bag handling means 185 for respectively opening and positioning the open end 104 of a bag for disposition of a group of articles therein, when a group of articles has been moved into alignment with the packaging station by the article transport means 28 associated with the lanes 22, 24 and 26. That is, a group of articles is moved into the lane 22c either from other segments of the lane 22 or from the corresponding endmost segments 24c, 26c of the other lanes by the pick-and-place means or assembly 40.
  • the bagging apparatus 106 at the bagging station 30 also includes, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 6, an end folding or folder apparatus 182 and a taper 184 for respectively folding over and taping shut the open end 104 of the bag 100 when the same has been filled with a group of articles 25.
  • an elongate push-rod means or assembly 186 is pivotally movable into and out of engagement with the stick of ends or articles 25 disposed in the lane segment 22c and is movable therealong for advancing the group of ends 25 through the bagging apparatus and completely into and filling the bag 100 positioned at the bagging station 30.
  • bagging apparatus 106 Further details of the bagging apparatus 106 and the operation thereof for holding an open end of a bag 100 and filling the same with ends, including operation of the push-rod means 200 and for thereafter folding and taping the open end, are substantially shown and described in the above-mentioned patent to Mojden et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,010 dated Aug. 27, 1985.
  • the trough means 70 Upon filling of a bag 100, the trough means 70 is further movable by a discharge means or linkage 187 horizontally outwardly, and is pivotally rotated thereby for depositing a filled bag 100 onto a roll-out tray or platform or filled-package discharge area 188, where the bags may be collected by manual or mechanized means, as desired.
  • an ink jet printer (not shown) may be used to code the bag with identifying indicia.
  • the discharge means 187 is engageable with the trough means 170 for discharging a filled package 100 therefrom into the discharge area 188 and thereafter returning the empty trough means 170 into a position for receiving a further bag 100 to be filled at the bagging station 30.
  • Apparatus for holding a quantity of said packages toward a topmost end of said magazine, and control means for coordinating operation of said reserve supply means with said articulate supporting assembly for receiving a quantity of packages from said article supporting assembly as the same is raised relative to said outfeed, to permit said articulated supporting assembly to return to a lowered position to be refilled with a further quantity of packages, while still providing a supply of packages at said outfeed for use at said bagging station, as shown in FIGS. 12, 19, 20 and 21.
  • the pick-and-place device is illustrated in further detail.
  • the pick-and-place device is essentially the same as the pick-and-place unit described in our prior copending U.S. application Ser. No. 195,220, filed May 18, 1988 to which reference is invited.
  • the pick-and-place unit 40 includes a gripping portion or means 190 which takes the form of a pair of elongate arcuately shaped arms or jaw-like members 192 which are arranged to generally surroundingly engage a group or stick of articles or can ends 25.
  • An additional pair of oppositely axially inwardly directed pressing means or members 194, 195 are provided for pressing upon opposite axial ends of the group of articles or can ends within the gripping means or portion 190 to securely hold the group tightly axially nested within this gripping means 190.
  • the article pressing means 194, 195 are driven in the axial direction relative to the group of ends by respective air cylinders 196, 197.
  • the air cylinder 197 and its axial article pressing member 195 are arranged for axial adjustment generally axially inwardly and outwardly relative to the gripping means or jaws 190 for accommodating groups of articles such as can ends having an axial length which varies by approximately as much as the axial length of an elongate mounting rod or member 198 which mounts the article pressing means or member 195 relative to its cylinder 197.
  • the end supporting member or fork-like member 81 is also mounted to an assembly 199, which is spring-loaded for providing a resilient end stop for accommodating an incoming group of can ends.
  • this assembly 199 also permits an adjustment or change of the relative position of the end fork or end support means 81 by selecting different lengths and positionings of a number of compression springs of various lengths as indicated generally by reference numerals 189, 191 and 193.
  • the fork member or means 81 may be positioned for accommodating varying axial lengths of groups of can ends, as generally indicated in phantom line in FIG. 18B.
  • the gripping members or jaws 192 are arranged to be opened and closed by the action of a pair of similar assemblies located generally at either end thereof. These assemblies each include a piston and cylinder type drive means or member 200 which is arranged for extending and retracting a cam-like member 202.
  • the cam-like members 202 are arranged for bearing against complementary cam surfaces 206 of the jaw members 192.
  • the jaws 192 are, in turn, pivotally mounted and tension springs (not shown) join the pivotally mounted jaws 192 to normally urge the jaws in a direction for closing. Hence, the cam members 202 may be activated to force the jaws open, overcoming the action of the springs.
  • the pick-and-place means or assembly is further mounted to a support frame 217 and is provided with a generally vertically mounted piston and cylinder assembly 212 for raising and lowering the same relative to the lanes 22, 24, 26 for respectively retrieving can ends from lanes 24 and 26 and placing the same in lane 22 as previously described.
  • Additional sliding bearing supports 214 and 216 are provided to either end of support frame 217 to mount the unit 40 for vertical upward and downward movement.
  • Frame 217 is in turn mounted for horizontal movement between lanes 22, 24 and 26 on tracks 220, 222 mounted to an overhead support frame 210. Referring briefly to the lower left-hand portion of FIG.
  • the support means or fork-like member 83 for supporting a trailing end of the can ends is also provided in each of the lane segments 22c, 24c, and 26c.
  • This latter support fork member 83 is mounted for extending and retracting in a vertical direction relative to the lane by a suitable piston and cylinder assembly 85.
  • This piston and cylinder assembly 85 is activated by the control means 32 at a suitable point responsive to the signals provided by the sensors or sensor means previously described for extending upwardly to support a group of can ends following introduction into the respective outfeed lane segments and yet permit retraction of the end gripping members 92, 94 of the associated transport means or members 36, 46, 56 which deliver the ends thereto from the respective associated intermediate lane segments.
  • the article pressing means or members 194, 195 also readily extend through the open center portions of these fork-like support members 81, 83 so as to engage opposite axial ends of the stick of articles or can ends held therebetween.
  • the pick-and-place means is mounted for sliding in opposite directions along the frame 210 for positioning the jaws 192 in alignment with respective ones of outfeed lane segments 22c, 24c and 26c as described above.
  • elongate track-like mounting assemblies 220, 222 are provided for mounting the frame 217 including the vertical lifting and lowering cylinder 212 and sliding supports 214, 216 for movement into alignment with each of these outfeed lane segments.
  • An additional cylinder 224 is provided for controlling this movement among the various lane outfeed segments.
  • a reserve supply means is provided for holding a quantity of bags or packages adjacent outfeed 114 of the magazine 105.
  • the control means 32 coordinates operation of this reserve supply means with the articulate supporting assembly 110.
  • the control is such that the reserve supply receives a quantity of packages from the article supporting assembly 110 as the same is raised to its uppermost position relative to the outfeed. This permits the articulated supporting assembly 110 to return to a lowered position to be refilled with a further quantity of packages, while still providing an uninterrupted supply of packages in the reserve supply adjacent said outfeed for use at the bagging station, while the magazine is being refilled.
  • the reserve supply means comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted fingers designated generally by reference numerals 230 and 232 arranged to either side of the central open bag-receiving or package-receiving portion of the magazine 105.
  • These fingers 230, 232 are pivoted about their indicated pivot points 231, 233 respectively by respective elongate interconnecting pivot bars or actuator members 234, 236.
  • These bars as also indicated in FIGS. 11 and 20, and the associated fingers are located generally near a top end portion of the magazine 105.
  • the respective actuator bars 234 and 236 are in turn actuated by a piston and cylinder assembly 238 which activates a pair of cams 240 and 242, the latter through an elongate linkage arm 244.
  • the cam 240 will be seen to be coupled to the actuator bar 236, while the linkage arm 244 actuates the cam 242 which is coupled for driving the actuator bar 234.
  • the respective directions of movement for the actuator bars 234 and 236 for extending the fingers 230, 232 are indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12.
  • the retracted position is illustrated therein in broken line, with the extended position of the fingers 230 and 232 being illustrated in dot-dash line.
  • the fingers 230, 232 may be pivoted into and out of the open central portion of the magazine 105 for underlying and supporting a remaining quantity of packages or bags when the articulated support assembly 110 has been elevated to the level of fingers 230, 232. It will be seen that the respective support portions 120 and 122 have cutouts arranged to freely pass by the extended fingers 230, 232. Thus, when articulated support member 110 reaches the level of fingers 230, 232 the fingers may be extended to receive and support the remaining supply of bags or packages carried on the support member or assembly 110. The support member assembly 110 may be withdrawn past the extended fingers 230 and 232 to its retracted or bottom-most position as shown in FIG. 11, to receive a further supply of packages. In this manner, a substantially continuous flow or supply of packages is made available at all times at the packaging or bagging station 30.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
US07/642,197 1991-01-16 1991-01-16 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger Expired - Fee Related US5119617A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/642,197 US5119617A (en) 1991-01-16 1991-01-16 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger
AU89629/91A AU8962991A (en) 1991-01-16 1991-12-12 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger
CA002058898A CA2058898C (en) 1991-01-16 1992-01-07 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger
AT92300159T ATE121355T1 (de) 1991-01-16 1992-01-08 Vorrichtung zum zählen und füllen in beutel von in mehreren reihen zugeführten gegenständen.
EP92300159A EP0495580B1 (de) 1991-01-16 1992-01-08 Vorrichtung zum Zählen und Füllen in Beutel von in mehreren Reihen zugeführten Gegenständen
DE69202063T DE69202063T2 (de) 1991-01-16 1992-01-08 Vorrichtung zum Zählen und Füllen in Beutel von in mehreren Reihen zugeführten Gegenständen.
JP4044344A JPH04339702A (ja) 1991-01-16 1992-01-16 複列搬入計数袋詰め装置

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/642,197 US5119617A (en) 1991-01-16 1991-01-16 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5119617A true US5119617A (en) 1992-06-09

Family

ID=24575600

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/642,197 Expired - Fee Related US5119617A (en) 1991-01-16 1991-01-16 Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US5119617A (de)
EP (1) EP0495580B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH04339702A (de)
AT (1) ATE121355T1 (de)
AU (1) AU8962991A (de)
CA (1) CA2058898C (de)
DE (1) DE69202063T2 (de)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5318166A (en) * 1993-04-21 1994-06-07 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Air hold up assembly for a stick of can ends
US5346200A (en) * 1993-03-17 1994-09-13 Ballcorporation Converted container end bag separator
US5441382A (en) * 1993-01-29 1995-08-15 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Infeed apparatus for article handling system
US5449060A (en) * 1993-01-29 1995-09-12 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Discharge apparatus for article handling system
US5524947A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-06-11 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Self-contained pick-and-place apparatus
US5685129A (en) * 1996-06-14 1997-11-11 Metal Container Corporation Automatic can lid bag sealer
WO1999016672A1 (en) 1997-09-30 1999-04-08 Dayton Systems Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for palletizing elongated bags of container ends
US6637178B1 (en) * 1997-09-30 2003-10-28 Dayton Systems Group, Inc. Bagger method and apparatus
US20160250837A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Corning Incorporated Customized and selective decoration of internal tube-like surfaces using pre-printed films with splinter resistant property
CN109367884A (zh) * 2018-11-19 2019-02-22 武汉人天包装自动化技术股份有限公司 一种伸缩式假箱机构
CN110104285A (zh) * 2019-05-30 2019-08-09 苏州威兹泰克自动化科技有限公司 一种用于包装盒的包装膜自动切角机
US11174113B2 (en) * 2016-10-27 2021-11-16 Serpa Packaging Solutions Llc High speed automated feeding system and methods of using the same

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5669482A (en) * 1995-10-10 1997-09-23 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Trailing end air hold-up assembly
ES2246638B1 (es) * 2003-05-06 2007-04-01 Taller Autorema, S.L. Maquina embolsadora automatica de tapas basicas y de facil apertura en bolsas de papel autoencolante.
DE602005000604D1 (de) * 2004-01-23 2007-04-12 Taller Autorema S L Vorrichtung zum automatischen Verpacken von Deckeln in selbstklebende Beutel

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3732665A (en) * 1971-03-23 1973-05-15 R Pitts Packaging apparatus for packaging continuous production of a discrete product in predetermined quantities
US3878948A (en) * 1972-05-23 1975-04-22 Bennes Marrel Self-contained device for handling containers on a lorry
US3962845A (en) * 1973-04-16 1976-06-15 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Apparatus for counting and packaging can ends
US4442652A (en) * 1979-02-24 1984-04-17 Daiwa Can Company, Limited Apparatus for automatically packing end closures for cans in paper bags
GB2133766A (en) * 1983-01-21 1984-08-01 Fleetwood Syst Inc Bagging and palletizing system
US4848059A (en) * 1987-09-02 1989-07-18 Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag Apparatus for packing a cylindrical stack of disk-like workpieces
US4979870A (en) * 1988-05-18 1990-12-25 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Automatic tray loading, unloading and storage system
US5005340A (en) * 1989-12-21 1991-04-09 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Apparatus for inspecting and packaging can ends

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3491514A (en) * 1965-10-19 1970-01-27 Burford Co Intern Inc Bread loaf sacking equipment
NL8501520A (nl) * 1985-05-28 1986-12-16 Thomassen & Drijver Inrichting en werkwijze voor het verpakken van een rij schijfvormige elementen, en de vervaardigde verpakking.

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3732665A (en) * 1971-03-23 1973-05-15 R Pitts Packaging apparatus for packaging continuous production of a discrete product in predetermined quantities
US3878948A (en) * 1972-05-23 1975-04-22 Bennes Marrel Self-contained device for handling containers on a lorry
US3962845A (en) * 1973-04-16 1976-06-15 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Apparatus for counting and packaging can ends
US4442652A (en) * 1979-02-24 1984-04-17 Daiwa Can Company, Limited Apparatus for automatically packing end closures for cans in paper bags
GB2133766A (en) * 1983-01-21 1984-08-01 Fleetwood Syst Inc Bagging and palletizing system
US4537010A (en) * 1983-01-21 1985-08-27 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Palletizing system
US4848059A (en) * 1987-09-02 1989-07-18 Schmalbach-Lubeca Ag Apparatus for packing a cylindrical stack of disk-like workpieces
US4979870A (en) * 1988-05-18 1990-12-25 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Automatic tray loading, unloading and storage system
US5005340A (en) * 1989-12-21 1991-04-09 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Apparatus for inspecting and packaging can ends

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5441382A (en) * 1993-01-29 1995-08-15 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Infeed apparatus for article handling system
US5449060A (en) * 1993-01-29 1995-09-12 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Discharge apparatus for article handling system
US5586638A (en) * 1993-01-29 1996-12-24 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Discharge apparatus for article handling system
US5346200A (en) * 1993-03-17 1994-09-13 Ballcorporation Converted container end bag separator
US5318166A (en) * 1993-04-21 1994-06-07 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Air hold up assembly for a stick of can ends
USRE35505E (en) * 1993-04-21 1997-05-13 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Air hold up assembly for a stick of can ends
US5524947A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-06-11 Fleetwood Systems, Inc. Self-contained pick-and-place apparatus
US5685129A (en) * 1996-06-14 1997-11-11 Metal Container Corporation Automatic can lid bag sealer
WO1999016672A1 (en) 1997-09-30 1999-04-08 Dayton Systems Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for palletizing elongated bags of container ends
WO1999016670A1 (en) 1997-09-30 1999-04-08 Dayton Systems Group, Inc. Bagger method and apparatus
US6637178B1 (en) * 1997-09-30 2003-10-28 Dayton Systems Group, Inc. Bagger method and apparatus
US20160250837A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Corning Incorporated Customized and selective decoration of internal tube-like surfaces using pre-printed films with splinter resistant property
US10589500B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2020-03-17 Corning Incorporated Customized and selective decoration of internal tube-like surfaces using pre-printed films with splinter resistant property
US11174113B2 (en) * 2016-10-27 2021-11-16 Serpa Packaging Solutions Llc High speed automated feeding system and methods of using the same
US11873181B2 (en) 2016-10-27 2024-01-16 Serpa Packaging Solutions Llc High speed automated feeding system and methods of using the same
CN109367884A (zh) * 2018-11-19 2019-02-22 武汉人天包装自动化技术股份有限公司 一种伸缩式假箱机构
CN110104285A (zh) * 2019-05-30 2019-08-09 苏州威兹泰克自动化科技有限公司 一种用于包装盒的包装膜自动切角机
CN110104285B (zh) * 2019-05-30 2024-04-26 苏州威兹泰克自动化科技有限公司 一种用于包装盒的包装膜自动切角机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH04339702A (ja) 1992-11-26
CA2058898C (en) 1995-03-14
EP0495580A1 (de) 1992-07-22
DE69202063D1 (de) 1995-05-24
AU8962991A (en) 1992-07-23
DE69202063T2 (de) 1995-08-17
EP0495580B1 (de) 1995-04-19
ATE121355T1 (de) 1995-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5119617A (en) Multi-lane infeed counter/bagger
US7096650B2 (en) Device for filling a carton
US5024042A (en) Bag filling and closing apparatus
US4537010A (en) Palletizing system
AU625942B2 (en) Method and apparatus for packing flexible packages
EP0908387A1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Füllen von Beuteln
CA1207293A (en) Rotary case loading machine
CN110697111A (zh) 一种玻瓶自动装托装箱设备及方法
GB2050989A (en) Device for delivering and packaging of folding boxes folded and packaged on a folder-gluer
US3753509A (en) Bottle uncaser-single liner
CN113859646A (zh) 一种自动分拣装袋设备
CN216581282U (zh) 一种立式/卧式一体口服液装盒机
CN114313416B (zh) 牙线全自动包装机
CN115320935B (zh) 包装设备和封箱方法
US5428938A (en) Method of loading product into a contained bag
US5410859A (en) Apparatus for loading articles into a container
US4664162A (en) Valve bag placer
CN113955206A (zh) 一种立式/卧式一体口服液装盒机
US4442874A (en) Automatic valve bag placer
US6401434B1 (en) Method and apparatus for loading filled fruit packing trays
GB2086866A (en) Unstacking apparatus
DK171675B1 (da) Apparat til opbevaring og udlevering af materialer i arkform
CN114751011A (zh) 一种塑料袋装包机
CN113955187A (zh) 一种卧式口服液装盒机
NL2034523B1 (en) Apparatus and Method for filling a Container with Articles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: FLEETWOOD SYSTEMS, INC., 621 PLAINFIELD RD., COUN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:MOJDEN, ANDREW E.;MOJDEN, WALLACE W.;DARR, ROBERT E.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:005635/0467

Effective date: 19910129

AS Assignment

Owner name: AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CHICAG

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FLEETWOOD SYSTEMS, INC. A CORP. OF ILLINOIS;REEL/FRAME:006206/0040

Effective date: 19920507

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20000609

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362